AML3D to investigate copper-nickel alloy printing for US Defence

AML3D (ASX:AL3) has confirmed it has received a A$1.5M purchase order from the US DoD to explore copper nickel alloy 3D printing.

AML3D – a publicly-listed specialist company focusing on metallic 3D printing applications with a recent pivot to defence applications driving its strategy – will spend US$200,000 to acquire “copper nickel testing wire feedstock.”

The contract announced on Tuesday comes following “the success of AML3D’s existing characterisation and test contract” for copper-nickel 3D printing applications.

While it’s not immediately clear what, exactly, the US DoD wants with copper nickel 3D-printed parts, it’s worth noting a nonprofit attached to the US Navy has helped with the funding boost to AL3.

Copper-nickel is also known to be superior in saltwater marine environments for protection against rust.

“AML3D receiving this significant PO to continue more extensive CuNi alloy qualification testing is further evidence of AML3D developing a long-term, strategic partnership with key stakeholders within the US Navy’s submarine program,” company head Sean Ebert said.

“Our continuing work … is designed to show how AML3D’s ARCEMY metal 3D Printing technology can be deployed to solve a variety of … supply chain challenges.

“Working across a range of alloys … is also expected to highlight how ARCEMY could be deployed to support globally significant Defence markets.”

AL3 last traded at 7cps.